Increasing Rivalry Expressed in the Mudsock Game

The rivalry between Fishers and Hamilton Southeastern all began when the school was built 1964 and when FHS was built 2007 (opened for grades 9-12 in 2007). The yearly Mudsock game is a point of high tension on both sides, which is easily seen once the cheers begin. Students rush to the stands each year in order to get the perfect view, and even those who are not in the school still come just to be a part of the action. But what makes the hatred between these schools so intense?

Senior Chris Renzulli is a member of the Royal Command and Guard, the marching band. The marching band is a big part of the halftime show at every game, and as it is a competitive organization, it is a big deal to play at the Mudsock.

Even if you do not actively go to games or participate in sports, sometimes the excitement of the competition finds you. Cassandra Barnhill is a senior at HSE who has founded and joined multiple clubs. She is not a huge fan of athletics, but she can still feel the effects of the competition that arises from them.

“It is my school, I want to like it and I want to be proud of it. Sure, there’s some stuff that kind of rubs you the wrong way, but I’m still proud of where I go.” Barnhill said. “The schools are almost exactly the same.” She believes that while FHS has the IB program, that is probably one of the few differences, even though school spirit feels more intense at HSE. Varsity head coach Scott May, agrees that the Mudsock is no ordinary game.

“You know, for a long time, I was trying to make it just another game for the kids, just part of the conference and all that. It’s obviously a big deal, it brings a lot of excitement, a lot of people out. It’s a neat one to play in.” he said.

Since the game is so popular and so full of energy, May talks about how the game affects the athletes

“Well, I just think since these kids know each other, they grow up together, our youth league splits then they start playing for the junior highs and kind of get funneled into the high schools, so I’m sure it’s fun for them to play against kids that they grew up with. “

Coach May believes that the rivalry becomes so intense because of bragging rights associated with winning the game, and how involved the town becomes in the score.